Still all to play for in title race

With favourites North Down slipping up on Sunday, there is still hope for Greg Thompson's men, but they will have to win their last three matches to stand any chance of lifting silverware. The two games this weekend provide the side with a very stiff examination of their credentials, with trips to Carrick and Waringstown on the menu.

"Both are very tough games," says Thompson. "Carrick pushed North Down all the way on Saturday and they still need one more win to make sure of not being involved in the relegation battle. That game will certainly not be easy and we need to focus on that one before we can even think about the Waringstown encounter."

A trip to the Lawn will most likely identify the identity of the side that will push North Down all the way. With both teams in joint second spot, the losers will be out of contention for the league. Lisburn recorded a very satisfying win over the Villagers in June and Thompson opines that they will require a similar performance on Sunday "Waringstown are still just about the most consistent outfit in the league. We did very well at home against them in a win that in many ways kick started our challenge this year, but we will need to be in just as good form, if not better, to prevail on Sunday," added the Lisburn skipper. "But all the boys are in great spirits, confidence is high and we go into the weekend with little to lose: we haven't been mentioned much as challengers and the focus appears to have been on Waringstown and North Down, and that suits us well." The action commences at noon on both days.